Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker and Florian Wirtz are expected to be recalled by Liverpool for this weekend’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth.
All three players were left out of the starting lineup for the Carabao Cup win over Tottenham in midweek, with Van Dijk and Wirtz earning a full rest having not been named in the matchday squad at all.
Alisson remained a unused substitute at Anfield, but should reclaim his place in goal from Giorgi Mamardashvili - who had a mixed performance against Spurs - as Andoni Iraola restores the big-hitters for his first return to the Vitality Stadium.
Van Dijk is set to resume duty in central defence, likely partnered by Jeremy Jacquet after he replaced Joe Gomez at half-time on Tuesday night in what was a pre-planned substitution.
Wirtz, meanwhile, has come in for some criticism after a slow start to the season, but should get the nod in the No10 role despite Liverpool’s Premier League title-winning midfield trio seeing out the victory over Spurs.
Both Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai scored in the cup tie, meaning Iraola does have the option of pushing the Hungary international higher up to restore the Ryan Gravenberch and Mac Allister double pivot.
Up front, Alexander Isak came on for Lewis Koumas late on against Tottenham, but should lead the line once again as he bids to avoid going four games without a goal.
Cody Gakpo missed the goalless draw with Fulham through injury but returned to action with a goal and an assist in the win over Spurs, making him somewhat undroppable for Liverpool right now.
The Dutchman has a goal contribution in all three of his Premier League appearances so far this season, but may switch over to the right to accommodate big-money summer signing Bradley Barcola on the opposite flank.
Hugo Ekitike, Giovanni Leoni, Federico Chiesa and Conor Bradley are all sidelined through injury, though a couple are expected to be available after the international break.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Gakpo, Wirtz, Barcola; Isak.
Injured: Bradley, Leoni, Ekitike, Chiesa
Time and date: 2pm BST on Sunday, September 20, 2026
How to watch: Sky Sports
Venue: Vitality Stadium
